Jenny Yonkman

Each summer, a diverse collection of western Michigan educators fill a classroom in the Eberhard Center of Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus found in downtown Grand Rapids to take part in a four-week intensive course called the Lake Michigan Writing Project. The Lake Michigan Writing Project is affiliated with the National Writing Project, which serves to provide professional development in the subject area of English Language Arts for teachers all over the United States.  Educators regularly take part in daily reading and writing groups, as well as creating a thorough presentation consisting of a lesson based in writing as well as theory behind best practices in English Language Arts instruction. There is also an online component where participants in Michigan as well across the United States can connect through the posting of writing pieces and such for constructive and helpful feedback.

This past summer, Jenny Yonkman (pictured above), the sixth grade teacher here at Creative Technologies Academy, had the pleasure of participating in the Lake Michigan Project.

“Taking part in the Lake Michigan Writing Project was an incredibly rewarding experience! I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to build relationships and work within a community of writers who are passionate about writing, writing instruction, education, and the success of their students. I feel as if I am a better teacher because of the Lake Michigan Writing Project and everything it provided for me. I highly recommend that educators of all subject areas consider taking part in the Lake Michigan Writing Project.”  Ms. Yonkman hopes to continue her relationship with the Lake Michigan project for many years to come.

For further information pertaining to the Lake Michigan Writing Project and the National Writing Project, please visit the following websites: www.lmwritingproject.org and www.nwp.org.